incredibly slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incredibly slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very slow, often in a negative context. Example: "The internet connection was incredibly slow, making it difficult to stream videos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unions were incredibly slow to react.

Independent

"Progress has been incredibly slow," he said.

The New York Times

And the pitch looks incredibly slow.

The Guardian - Sport

For many organizations, progress is incredibly slow.

Harvard Business Review

QUESTION FROM LARRY ZONKA: you're an incredibly slow typer.

The New Yorker

That can make detection either incredibly slow or unacceptably sloppy.

The Economist

The playing is in a way unimpeachable, but incredibly slow and ponderous, somehow overwhelmingly pedagogical.

The New Yorker

Authorities are incredibly slow to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.

The Economist

He was incredibly slow in getting to grips with the problem.

The Economist

As Woolf notes in Three Guineas, the movement's progress was incredibly slow.

Columbia University

But the medical profession is reluctant, incredibly slow, will say: this is not cricket.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of the slowness. Use stronger synonyms like "agonizingly slow" if you want to emphasize frustration.

Common error

Avoid using "incredibly slow" as a generic descriptor for everything that seems slow. Instead, provide specific details about why something is slow and what impact it has. For instance, instead of saying "The process was incredibly slow", specify "The process was incredibly slow due to bureaucratic delays, hindering project progress."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incredibly slow" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its speed or rate of progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it modifying various nouns, like 'progress', 'internet', or 'pace'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incredibly slow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to describe something lacking in speed, according to Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While versatile, writers should ensure they provide specific details and context to avoid generic descriptions. Exploring synonyms like "remarkably slow" or "painfully slow" can further enhance writing by conveying subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably slow

This alternative emphasizes the unexpected or noteworthy degree of slowness.

extremely slow

This is a direct synonym, highlighting a high degree of slowness.

exceptionally slow

This alternative denotes that the slowness is outside the norm or standard.

unusually slow

This indicates the slowness is not typical or expected.

terribly slow

This alternative suggests a negative impact due to the slowness.

exceedingly slow

This denotes a very high degree of slowness.

painfully slow

This emphasizes the frustration or discomfort caused by the slowness.

agonizingly slow

This highlights the prolonged and unpleasant experience of the slowness.

glacially slow

This uses a metaphor to describe the slowness, comparing it to the movement of a glacier.

snail's pace

This is an idiomatic expression indicating very slow progress.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using "incredibly slow" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "remarkably slow", "extremely slow", or "exceptionally slow" depending on the context.

How can I make my writing more descriptive than just saying something is "incredibly slow"?

Instead of just stating that something is "incredibly slow", provide context about why it's slow and the impact it has. For example, describe specific bottlenecks or delays that contribute to the slowness.

Is it grammatically correct to use "incredibly slow" in formal writing?

Yes, "incredibly slow" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated synonym might be more appropriate for the specific context.

What is the difference between "incredibly slow" and "painfully slow"?

"Incredibly slow" simply describes the speed, while "painfully slow" emphasizes the negative impact or frustration caused by the slowness.